Their trial followed arrests after a large group of people threw petrol bombs at the building while six police officers and PCSOs were inside.

Petrol bombs were also hurled at passing vehicles, including a bus with passengers on board.

The 16 to 25-year-olds were convicted of their involvement in the disorder on August 9 by a jury at Nottingham crown court.

Det Ch Insp Rob Griffin said after the verdicts that the group had met ‘with the common purpose’ of attacking Canning Circus police station in Nottingham.

He said: ‘It is likely they had heard about disturbances across the country. They planned to meet up armed with weapons, sticks, and bottles filled with petrol with every intention of setting the police station alight, regardless of who was inside and the potential danger it put them in.

‘The offenders’ complete lack of regard for authority is evident as they walked calmly away from the scene.’

Judith Walker, chief crown prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said after the hearing: ‘Forensic evidence helped link suspects to the disorder and BlackBerry messages and social media helped establish that this was a planned, pre-meditated attack.

‘There was clear video footage and evidence from eyewitnesses of violent and frightening behaviour and of firebombs being thrown.’

Lance Francis, 25, of no fixed address, was found guilty of riot, arson with intent to endanger life, and perverting the course of justice. Shaundre Robinson, 22, Gregory Coleman, 20, Callum Powell, 20, and two youths, aged 16 and 17, were all convicted of riot.

Six other people had already pleaded guilty to riot at an earlier hearing, while four others admitted taking part in violent disorder. The 16 will be sentenced at Nottingham crown court tomorrow. Roxwell Yeaboah, 34, was cleared of a charge of riot.